Sex offense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Pulaski County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pulaski County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Pulaski County, MO. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pulaski County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. The age of consent is 17 in Missouri, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Pulaski County, MO, and across Missouri, child pornography is a severe crime, classified as a class D or class B felony, as outlined in RSMo. § 573.037. Each piece of child pornography may result in separate charges.
- Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but often involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This typically refers to sexual contact or behavior between an educator (teacher, school employee, or volunteer) and a student enrolled in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is taken very seriously in the Pulaski County, MO area due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation of the student by the adult in a position of authority.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the relationship between the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Pulaski County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Pulaski County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Pulaski County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pulaski County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Pulaski County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you will have to register as a sex offender likely for life, which will affect job prospects, housing options, and personal relationships throughout the Pulaski County, MO area.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Pulaski County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Pulaski County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Pulaski County, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Pulaski County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
An experienced Pulaski County, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Pulaski County, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Pulaski County, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Pulaski County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our empathetic Pulaski County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Pulaski County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Pulaski County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pulaski County, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Pulaski County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
- Alibi: Our attorneys can establish that you were in a different location when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Pulaski County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Pulaski County, MO Pulaski County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.